In Alice Walker's "The Color Purple," a white man in South Carolina reacts with surprise and mockery when he encounters Black individuals who have just arrived by train and express their intention to return to Africa. His demeanor reflects a mix of offense and amusement, as he cannot comprehend or accept the idea of Black people wanting to travel to their ancestral homeland.

This moment underscores the racial tensions and absurdities during the time, illustrating the man's disbelief at the notion of Black people asserting their identity and heritage. The statement reveals the ignorance and prejudice that existed, highlighting the struggles faced by Black individuals in reclaiming their roots in a society that often dehumanized them.